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QUETTA, July 13: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has admitted that the Balochistan crisis cannot be resolved through use of force and once again offered dialogue to Baloch leaders for an amicable solution.

He made the offer while speaking to members of the provincial cabinet during a one-day visit to Quetta on Friday. Chief Minister Nawab Raisani, Federal Ministers Mir Changez Kan Jamali, Sardar Omer Gorgage and Chief Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Mohammad were present on the occasion.

“Dictators adopt use of force for resolving issues while democratic governments believe in dialogue and consultation to resolve crises,” Raja Ashraf remarked, adding that use of force had never solved any problem in history.

The prime minister, however, categorically declared that negotiations could be held only with those who believed in the country’s integrity. “There will be no dialogue with secessionists,” he said.

Raja Ashraf said “many external and internal forces are involved in the unrest in Balochistan”, saying the government was determined to defeat them through political wisdom.

He said the present situation in the province was a result of “anti-Baloch policies of dictators”.

“Dictators never surrender their powers. Credit goes to President Zardari for ceding his powers to the parliament voluntarily for sake of democracy.”

Referring to uplift projects in Balochistan, the prime minister said the PPP-led government was keen to develop the province.

Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed concern over the law and order situation, but added that maintaining law and order was the provincial government’s responsibility, too.

GWADAR: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has directed that the port city of Gwadar and other areas of the district should be provided water from Mirani Dam as the region was facing a shortage.

He said the capacity of Ankara Kour Dam in Gwadar should be increased.

During a briefing by Pakistan Navy officials in Quetta, the prime minister expressed concern over the water situation in Gwadar, promising the government would take all steps to solve the problem.

Navy officials informed the premier about short- and long-term plans for solving the water problem in Gwadar and other areas of Makran division.